Research


UW ZooMS & Geoarchaeology Laboratory 

ZooMS

Zooarchaeology by Mass Spectrometry (ZooMS) is a cutting edge proteomics method that allows for taxonomic identification of faunal remains. At the University of Wyoming, we have built a lab capable of performing ZooMS analyses in-house. ZooMS is especially useful for identifying fragmented faunal remains that lack landmarks permitting traditional taxonomic identification. 


Featured Research

Use of hare bone for the manufacture of a Clovis bead


Photo by David Ian Howe

Warren Mammoth Project

The Warren Mammoth (48LA3800) was discovered by a local landowner in Laramie County, WY. Fieldwork began at the site in 2022, and was completed 2023 with funding from the Wyoming Cultural Trust Fund. 


Our excavations produced valuable data for the interpretation of other proboscidean sites and for proboscidean bonebed taphonomic studies. 

Biface

This biface was recovered from the surface nearby the scattered mammoth remains

2022 Excavations

A volunteer crew excavated approx. 15 sq. m over 10 days

Hay Gulch Investigations

Middle Park, CO

University of Wyoming Archaeological Field School 2022

Paperwork

Students learning how to determine soil texture in the field while augering.

Total Station

Junior Supervisor Jack-dog overseeing UW Archaeology Field School students learning how to use the total station.

Screening

Senior Supervisor Callie-dog resting in the shade of the screens at Hay Gulch, CO. 

In Situ

Students gathering to look at the first in situ find at Hay Gulch during the 2022 field season.

Profiling

After excavations are complete, students gather together to learn how to draw a profile.

Backfilling

Last step: backfill!

Galactic Neighborhood Model Run with 10ly capabilities 

Modeling the Settlement of our Galactic Neighborhood

I presented the preliminary findings of this research at the Society for American Archaeology 87th Annual Meeting in Chicago, IL, March 30 - April 3, 2022 and for the Western Regional Space Grant Meeting in Houston, TX, October 17-18, 2022.

Jack Yeller posing for the camera on a cool pile of back dirt, June 2021.

Investigations of the Harold Bergman Site

Laying out the auger buckets allows for a quick view of the subsurface stratigraphy. September 2019.

Rehder Ranch Investigations

Read about our investigation of a reported Clovis point find from the Rocky Mountains in Southwestern Lore, vol 87, no 4: 1-10.